If the Ducati team is currently floating on cloud nine, we cannot forget the mask displayed on Danilo Petrucci's face at the end of the Qatar Grand Prix, the consequence of a failed bet on soft tires and a GP 19 mysteriously slow in a straight line…
The 28-year-old Italian, who finished his first race as a factory driver just 2,8 seconds behind his victorious teammate but in 6th place, explained shortly afterwards: “I played this card because I was very, very fast in the racing simulation. I was very fast during FP4 on Saturday and Sunday morning. Riding alone is one thing and being fast is important, but the race wasn't that fast. In the first lap I was tenth, after a few laps I was third or fourth. The problem was I couldn't overtake. First of all, we need to understand why my bike was so slow on the straight, I couldn't overtake a rider and I had to defend myself in turn 1, where, for example, Rins was very fast. Dovi could overtake him and follow his pace, it was not possible for me. It was difficult towards the end. In the last two laps I had problems with the rear tire. I took a risk, but it was not the right choice. Of course, I am very disappointed with sixth place. At least I wanted to fight for the top 5. On the other hand, I'm happy because I'm one of the best and we still have 18 races ahead of us. My main goal is to stay at this level in all races.”
A desire for revenge, therefore, even if the Italian driver who came close to victory 4 times has so far never crossed the finish line of the Termas de Rio Hondo circuit better than 7th, in 2017.
Danilo Petrucci : “I am ready to approach the next race with even more motivation after finishing sixth in Qatar. I need to continue to be fast, but also improve my general approach before the race. The Termas de Río Hondo circuit is somewhat tricky to interpret, its layout is quite particular and, in the past, it has usually been dirty in the first sessions, which increases tire wear and makes it difficult to find the good feeling. Things can change very quickly in terms of weather too, and it will be crucial to get off to a good start to maximize track time during testing. I'm confident: last year we found a good configuration for the race and we will try to build from there, our goal being once again to finish in the top five.”
Danilo Petrucci in brief:
Motorcycle: Ducati Desmosedici GP19
Race number: 9
Age: 28 years old (born October 24, 1990 in Terni)
Residence: Forlì (Italy)
Number of races: 119 (MotoGP)
First GP: 2012 Qatar (MotoGP)
Victoires: 0
Pole positions: 0
World titles: 0
